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AC Milan abandon friendly after Kevin-Prince Boateng racially abused by rival fans

AC Milan continued their preparation for the second half of the Serie A season by visiting Italian fourth-tier side Pro Patria for a friendly on Thursday.

Disappointingly, a section of the crowd hurled racial abuse at the Rossoneri's black players from the onset. Despite multiple pleas from players and the stadium announcer to stop, the racist chanting continued and Kevin-Prince Boateng vented his fury by picking up the ball and kicking it at the fans in the 26th minute.

After this disruption, a visibly furious Boateng pulled off his shirt and left the pitch, along with players from both sides.

Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri was quoted by The Independent:

"We are disappointed and saddened by what has happened.

"Milan play for the right to respect all players. We need to stop these uncivilised gestures.

"We are sorry for all the other fans who came here for a beautiful day of sport. We promise to return, and we are sorry for the club and players of Pro Patria, but we could not make any other decision.

"I hope it can be an important signal."

The chairman of Pro Patria — which means "For the Fatherland"— claims the racists were not known fans of the club, and had come to the match to "make a statement". In the video above, it appears that most Pro Patria fans applaud the teams as they leave the field in protest, giving substance to the claim that the behavior was the product of an unwelcome minority.